CHARACTERIZING COLD-STORAGE-INDUCED BUD NECROSIS IN 'MONA LISA' LILIES

Authors:	Hye-Ji Kim, W.B. Miller
Keywords:	cold storage, chilling injury, oxidative stress, Lilium
Abstract: A postharvest problem has been identified in oriental lilies characterized by sunken, darkened or brownish areas on unopened buds, and occurs during cold storage after forcing. This bud necrosis problem was investigated with Lilium ‘Mona Lisa’, a specially susceptible cultivar. Plants were grown in a greenhouse at 17°C, then moved to a 24°C greenhouse 1 week prior to puffy bud stage (the most mature bud of the inflorescence showing full color, but not open), with full natural light or 85% shade. Bud necrosis developed within 1 to 2 d at 3°C, 98% RH and increased as the duration of cold storage increased. Green- to white-colored-buds ranging from 5 to 8 cm were most susceptible to the cold storage. A spray with the antioxidant, diphenylamine (DPA), or growth under shade at 24°C reduced severity of bud necrosis. When plants were continuously grown under 17°C, however, bud necrosis was completely inhibited, suggesting that the disorder is strongly related to growing temperature. These results suggest that temperature control of the greenhouse prior to harvesting for market would be important in preventing bud necrosis in ‘Mona Lisa’ lilies.
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